Deborah’s diverse background in the creative industries provides a unique lens through which she approaches her ceramic work. She has wide-ranging experience including graphic design, illustration, exhibition design, dance direction, performing, choreography and teaching, publishing, writing, advertising, and interior design. She has a First Class B.A. Hons. Degree in Dance Studies, an M.A. by Research in Dance and Film and a First Class B.A. Hons. Degree in Graphic Design.
Deborah started her official ceramic training at Morley College in London, working with potter and teacher Ronaldo Wiltshire. She has continued her studies with ceramicist and teacher Sonia Watson, and master potter and sculptor Chris Bramble at the Kingsgate Workshops in Northwest London.
“When I make something, it is because I have become preoccupied with a certain idea, for example a specific moment in history, or something that I have observed that has ignited my interest. The candle stick shapes of the works I have been evolving recently are loosely based on ecclesiastical forms. Some of the pieces have been designed specifically to hold larger votive candles and simple church candles. The clay used is stoneware and the dry glazes applied are predominantly white, to enhance the notion of purity. My work is never wheel-thrown but assembled by hand coiling or slabbing, with textures added later on in the process. For the most part the pieces exist as working vessels that combine pottery and sculpture. My preference is to work in pairs so that the viewer can see the subtle and sometimes not so subtle differences between the two forms.”